The Sensible Fay

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2 Day Naples, Italy Itinerary

Gi Shieh

disclosure: this article may include affiliate links in which I receive a small commission for any booking that you make

Naples, Italy, or Napoli is the regional capital of Campania in the south, and third largest city in all of Italy. 

Known as the birthplace of pizza and featured in popular films like "Eat Pray Love," Naples has a reputation of being a lively, authentic, and grounded place. Unfortunately, it‘s also been criticized as one of the least safe cities in the country.

Conveniently located on the coast between major tourist hubs, like Rome and the Amalfi Coast, it’s the perfect slow travel destination to rest for a few days and get a peek into local culture.

So if you're ready to wander the narrow streets of this underrated metropolis, here's my guide to exploring Naples in two days!

Summary:

→ LOGISTICS: best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, what to eat

→ DAY 1: Piazza del Plebiscito, Palazzo Reale, Galleria Borbonica, Castel dell'Ovo, Galleria Umberto I, Quartieri Spagnoli, Museo Cappella Sansevero, Spaccanapoli, Gino e Toto Sorbillo

→ DAY 2: Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, Catacombs of San Gennaro, Museo di Capodimonte, Castel Sant'Elmo

→ INSIDER TIP: purchase the Naples Pass to save money when visiting multiple attractions

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The Best Time To Visit:

It's best to visit Naples, Italy between March and June when there are fewer visitors but the weather is still mild. I took my trip in November and while it was still a great experience, I did run into some torrential rain. Just pack a travel capsule wardrobe with layers and you should be fine!

How to Get There:

If you're visiting from abroad, you can fly directly into Naples airport. From there, take a private transfer or a bus to the city center. If you're coming by train, you'll arrive at Napoli Centrale. From there, you can take a taxi, metro, or bus to your accommodations.

Where to Stay:

Naples, Italy has a bad rap for being dangerous so it's important that you pick a safe neighborhood to stay in. The safest areas for tourists are Centro Storico, Piazza del Plebiscito, and Chiaia. Below is a summary of some hotels that I recommend in those neighborhoods.

What To Eat:

Food is one of the best ways to experience a new culture so here's are some of the top Neapolitan dishes that you should try!

Incorporate these stops into your itinerary or skip the stress by booking a 2-hour guided food tour!

The Naples Pass + Artecard

Before we begin, I'd like to preface this article by recommending the Naples Pass.

Italy has such a rich and well-preserved history that a lot of what's worth visiting is found in museums. While tickets are usually reasonably priced, they can add up over time.

If you plan on visiting multiple museums and attractions, it might be worth it to consider purchasing in the Naples Pass, which gives you access to some of the cities most popular attractions including the National Archaeological Museum, Royal Palace of Naples, and Castel Sant'Elmo.

Additionally, if you plan on visiting other regions in Campania (like Pompeii), it might also be worth it to purchase the Artecard.

I found that having a single pass instead of needing to track multiple tickets saved me time and the stress of keeping everything organized. That being said, I recommend that you do your own calculations once you finalize your itinerary to see if it's actually worth it for you!

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Piazza del Plebiscito

Start your trip off at the largest square in Naples. Piazzas, or public squares, were historically a place for people to gather and even today, the Piazza del Plebiscito serves as the grounds for a large majority of the city's events.

Basilica di San Francesco di Paola

When you're done snapping photos of the square from afar, approach the Basilica di San Francesco di Paola. This church was constructed in the 19th century and takes inspiration from the San Pietro in Rome.

Palazzo Reale - Royal Palace of Naples

Across from the basilica, you'll find the Royal Palace of Naples. It was one of the four residences used by the kings of the Bourbon empire and today serves as a museum and marvel of architecture. Tickets are included in the Naples Pass or you can buy them separately on their website or at the entrance.

Gran Caffè Gambrinus

After all that walking, it's time for breakfast! Grab a coffee and a sfogliatelle at Gran Caffè Gambrinus. The green marble countertops and cute porcelain cups make for the most aesthetic photos. Heads up, it gets pretty busy though so you might have to munch while standing at the counter!

Tour Galleria Borbonica - Bourbon Tunnel

It's time to explore the underground with a tour of the Bourbon Tunnel, an archeological site and museum. Construction for these underground tunnels began in 1853 under the rule of King Ferdinand II of Bourbon. These passages were originally created for military purposes to give the royals access to defense and an escape route in case an uprising occurred. They were also used as bomb shelters during WWII and are a neat part of the city's history.

Guided tours happen every few hours on the weekends (check the schedule here). You can purchase tickets at the entrance or book one online beforehand.

Castel dell'Ovo - Egg Castle

The Egg Castle is a seafront castle overlooking the gulf of Naples. It is the oldest castle in the city and was built by the Normans in the 12th century. The castle itself isn't that exciting but it is a great place to take pictures and explore some of the local dining options nearby.

Galleria Umberto I

After some history and culture, it's time to go shopping! Galleria Umberto I was built between 1887 and 1890 and is a centrally-located, light-filled, shopping arcade close to the city center. Honestly, I didn't buy anything there but it was still beautiful to see!

Quartieri Spagnoli - Spanish Quarter

Walk through the Spanish Quarter to Via Toledo (Toledo Street) but make sure to only do so when it's light out! Naples' Spanish Quarter is a cultural hub bustling with homes, shops, cafes, and trattorias. It's a cute neighborhood but can potentially get sketchy at night. Grab a quick bite and then continue on your journey!

Mercato della Pignasecca - Pignesecca Market

On your way to the historic city center, take a stroll through Pignesecca Market. This local morning market features vendors selling fresh fruit, fish, and some secondhand clothes. I really enjoyed the vibes and thought it was a refreshingly authentic experience. Just make sure to practice your basic Italian, because most shop owners are not going to speak English.

Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara - Cloister of Saint Claire

The Cloister of Saint Claire is a religious complex located close to the historic center of Naples dates back to the 1300s and features a church, cloisters, and museum. It's relatively small but the cloisters and gardens are especially nice to walk through. Purchase tickets on their website or buy them at the entrance.

Chiesa di San Domenico Maggiore - The Church of San Domenico Maggiore

This is Italy after all, so you can expect a lot of churches on this itinerary! The church of San Domenico Maggiore is a Gothic, Roman Catholic church located in the historic center of the city. The interior is beautiful and features a lot of interesting artwork. Admission is free but a donation is (strongly) suggested.

Museo Cappella Sansevero - Sansevero Chapel Museum

The Capella Sansevero is a chapel located just northwest of the above-mentioned church. It's a somewhat smaller space but houses almost thirty pieces of art, the most notable of which is "The Veiled Christ." Tickets can be bought at the entrance or online on their website. You can also book a guided tour for a more in-depth explanation of the different artworks.

Spaccanapoli - Via dei Tribunali

As you're walking from one church to the next, you'll arrive at Spaccanapoli: the straight and narrow main street that cuts through the historic center of Naples. You'll find restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops lining the narrow alleys. At this point in the itinerary, you might want to do some window shopping or stop for a quick snack (try a Baba or a Pizza Fritta!) as it's been a long day of walking! We'll talk more about recommended snacks and restaurants later on in this itinerary.

Duomo di Napoli

The Duomo di Napoli is a catholic church dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta. The foundation is attributed to Emperor Constantine the Great in the 4th century but has been built upon throughout the different eras. Entrance is free but as always, a donation is appreciated.

Gino e Toto Sorbillo

The final stop on our agenda for the day is Gino e Toto Sorbillo, one of the best pizzerias in the city. Ginos was founded in 1935 and offers classic neapolitan pizza. The ingredients are fresh and I absolutely loved the texture and bite of the crust. Do your best to get there when they open at 7pm because there might be a long queue otherwise!

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Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli - National Archaeological Museum of Naples

It's only fitting to start a culture and museum day at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. This museum houses some of the most important ancient Roman and Greek remains including artifacts from the nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum sites. Admission is included in the Naples Pass or you can purchase them online or at the entrance. If you're short on time or want a more comprehensive explanation of the most noteworthy pieces, it might also be worth it to book a guided tour.

Catacombs of San Gennaro

The Catacombs of San Gernnaro are underground paleo-Christian burial and worships sites located in the north of the city. The original catacombs date back to the 2nd century and highlight just how rich this city's religious past is. Guided tours happen every hour and tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance.

A’ Luggetella Trattoria

After all that walking, it's finally time to get lunch! A’ Luggetella Trattoria is a quirky little restaurant close to the catacombs that features fresh and flavorful classic Neapolitan bites. Service was attentive and all the dishes hit the spot after a busy morning!

Museo di Capodimonte - The Museum of Capodimonte

Hands down my favorite museum in Naples! The Museum of Capodimonte is located just around the corner from the catacombs but highlights an entirely different part of Italian history. It's located in the Palace of Capodimonte and houses an excellent collection of Caravaggio and other significant Italian artists. The museum is massive and I loved the way the pieces were showcased. The grounds are also stunning to explore if you have the time! Purchase your tickets online beforehand or go with a guide for a more in-depth exploration.

Castel Sant'Elmo

End your two-day Naples itinerary by catching the sunset at Castel Sant'Elmo, a medieval fortress overlooking all of Naples. It's a little far away so I'd probably take a taxi, but I promise you, the views are worth it. The park is a nice way to unwind after a busy two days exploring the city. Tickets are included if you purchase the Naples Pass but otherwise, make sure to book them online as admission is limited!

There you have it, the ultimate 2 day Naples itinerary.

I did my best to include the most notable attractions while still maintaining a manageable pace of travel. If you have additional time, I recommend taking a day trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum, or even spending some time on the surrounding islands of Procida and Ischia.

From Naples, Italy, you can head to Caprii, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast to explore more of this southern region of the country. If you plan on seeing more of the country, I recommend checking out these three hype-worthy destinations!

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